Yoke

Some Christians forget that the Bible is…well…the Bible. Christians specifically tend to do this with the writings of the Apostle Paul- dismissing his contribution to the Bible as mere opinion or recomendation. But that’s not what we as Christians believe at all-unless it’s convenient to our life’s circumstances.
As Christians we believe that the Bible is holy, true, and authoritive. It is the most authorative means by which we hear from God- His very Word spoken to us by Godly authors through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nearly half of the New Testament was written by Paul. He was the greatest missionary and example of grace the world has ever seen. His words are not merely advice or suggestion, they came by the Holy Spirit of God and we are responsible as followers of Jesus to heed them. There is only one time where Paul says that his writing is only his Godly opinion, and that’s when he wrote that it’s better for a man not to marry. But everything else is foundational for Christian living.
One such passage that Christians love to ignore whenever their life situation changes is Paul’s command in 2 Corinthians 6:14 to not be linked together with unbelievers.
Usually a Christian will “fall in love” with someone only to realize that the person they’ve fallen in love with is not a Christian like them. The big problem is that it (them not being a Christian) was not a factor when they were seeking someone out, or at least they let that issue slip their mind.
That Christian, now in love with this new nonchristian, will convince themselves that they have the power to save their new significant other. They forget that the only One who can save someone is the One Jesus Christ. We call this missionary dating.
Sadly, time and time again, with these relationships it is usually the “Christian” who falls away from their “faith” than the nonchristian finding a new faith.
This happened over and over again in the Old Testament as Israelite men would marry gentile women who would lead them to worship idols, thus the practice was strictly prohibited. This is why it was carried over into New Testament Christianity. Paul, as well as the Holy Spirit (obviously), knew that the results of a Christian and nonchristian being in a romantic relationship would be disasterous.
From a practical side though: If you were a Christian and had eternity with Jesus to look forward to, how could you marry someone who was not knowing that they were going to suffer for eternity in he’ll? That reality would haunt and horrifying me everyday.
And if as a married couple you share the most intimate details of your life with each other, why would you want to spend your life with someone who you can’t share the most joyous thing in your life with. Talk about having nothing in common.
This list could go on and on but I will close with one more thought: If Jesus is the most important thing in your life, then why wouldn’t you choose someone whom Jesus was just as important to? A Christian spouse can encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable.
So don’t let a man (or woman) distract you from what God has in store for you. You can change nobody. Never settle. Go after the best! Because that’s what God MADE for Adam.